I was born into poverty in 1962, on the island of Puerto Rico. By late 1963, with the local economy tanking, my parents decided to emigrate to the New York area. So, my father came over first, followed shortly thereafter by my mother and me. I arrived in New Jersey, in January, 1964. I grew up in Bayonne, then Newark (after my parents broke up), in the projects, in both cases. I was a C+ student, until I came back to Bayonne in 1974, when I met Ms. Fifer, my 7th grade teacher. She informed me that she knew I was just getting by, not really trying. She couldn’t have known that my parents’ break-up was still bothering me. Back then, there were no child psychologists to help you get through these things. But, Ms. Fifer did instill in me the ability to block things out. So, I learned to focus. I became a B+ student. I really loved sports. That became my outlet. I was able to graduate Bayonne High School’s college prep curriculum with honors in 1980. Because of friction between my mother’s husband and me, the opportunity to pursue college and a future as a doctor evaporated.

I left that place. Having to start over, and without much guidance, I soon landed a job with Exxon in 1981. Unfortunately, I married the wrong person, just before landing that job! We did end up having 2 kids during a tumultuous 11-year journey. I enjoyed Disney and being a father for about 10 years. But, Exxon down-sized me 1992. A divorce came shortly thereafter. The 90’s were none too friendly to me. Shortly after losing a long custody battle, I lost my brother, and best friend. I’d rather forget the 90’s. But, along the way, I did become a financial planner. I learned to speak in front of crowds, got licensed in life & health insurance, as well

as series 6 & 63, & learned the ins & outs of employee benefits. But, most importantly, I learned how to plan ahead. Because of my kids, though, I needed something with benefits. I finally landed a meaningful job with NJ Transit, in 2001. I drove their buses for their buses for 11 and a half years. They had a 457 plan, which allowed me to invest 20% of my earnings, before taxes. I knew I probably wouldn’t be able to do that type of work until retirement age. The old-timers were quick to point out all the physical and psychological ailments that came with the job. The public is brutal towards bus drivers. During those 11 years I searched for what I might be able to do during retirement. Sure enough, in July, 2012, after a long battle with back ailments, I was forced into early retirement.

I first heard about transitioning into real estate investing from James Smith in 2007. His organization started teaching me the basics in 2010. I then got further educated by John Lane. He has bought more Tax Liens than anyone I’ve ever heard of! It wasn’t until 2014, when I first heard David Lindahl speak, that I understood just how impactful multi-family investing can be. I have since become a student of both Lance Edwards and David Lindahl. This education has helped prepared me to enter this new & exciting realm.

Shortly after retirement I created Exodus Real Estate Holdings, LLC. This self-directed IRA has acquired:

A cash flowing condo in Vero Beach, Florida Invested in a private placement called the Global Food Security Fund Invested in Legacy Income Properties, cash flowing properties on top of

shale oil deposits Invested in the Five Rivers Property Fund, a private placement of business

and residential development in Idaho and the Teton Valley in Wyoming A cash flowing row house in Detroit, Michigan

Managing this portfolio and acquiring subsequent knowledge of software and systems, pertinent to distressed property acquisitions, have helped me gather the necessary tools for spotting discounted property opportunities.

Through properly managed and placed business entities, I am now ready to take on the rigors of the types of real estate projects awaiting in multi-family investing.